Simple image processing system and method capable of reducing occurrence of unwanted overhead

ABSTRACT

In an image processing system or method, an image element memorizing device memorizes image elements which are image data that are subjects of process. An image element processing state memorizing device memorizes present processing states of the image elements in the image element memorizing device. A detecting device detects, in response to the present processing states, a pointer of one of the image elements that is capable of being processed by the image processing system. A temporary pointer memorizing device memorizes the pointer from the detecting device. A calculating device reads the pointer from the temporary pointer memorizing device to process an image in response to the image element of the pointer which is read.

This application is a con of Ser. No. 8/917,743 filed Aug. 27, 1997 nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,208,362.

BACKDROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an image processing system and method whichspeedily process image data by use of a processor array.

A conventional processor array comprises processor elements which areequal in a number to X×Y, where each of X and Y represents an integergreater than one. Ordinarily, each of the processor elements is incharge of predetermined image elements. Therefore, in case that theprocessor array can process, in parallel, the image elements,accelerating of process is easily realized in response to a number ofthe processor elements. While, in case that the processor array can notprocess, in parallel, the image elements, for example, in case that theprocessor array process the image elements which are processed in baseon an image process algorithm that has a collating sequence so that theprocessor array processes an image element after processing anotherimage element, there is a problem that accelerating of process is, insitu, not realized in response to the number of the processor elements.Conventionally, to resolve the problem of the type, there is provided animage processing system which is described in Japanese Examined PatentPrepublication No. 36544/1988. This image processing system comprises anexecution control system which is based on data operation of commandlevel so that each of the processor elements can dynamically detect andprocess a command which is capable of being processed. Namely, the imageprocessing system produces numbers of the processor elements which arein charge of execution, numbers of data to be queued, commands to beexecuted in case that queuing conditions are realized, a command to benext executed, and packets having informations related to execution andcontrol. The image processing system supplies the packets to a combinednetwork of the processor elements. When the packet arrives at apredetermined one of the processor elements and when a queuing conditionis realized, the one of the processor elements executes commands whichare written in the packet to produce a packet having an information of acommand to be next executed.

The image processing system has a disadvantage that the image processingsystem is complex. This is because, since it needs to enter theinformations of execution into the packet, the packet becomes greater.Therefore, it is complex to produce and process the packet and it needsa plurality of bandwidths of the combined network which is supplied withthe packet.

The image processing system has another disadvantage that an unwantedoverhead occurs when a serial sequence of commands is executed. This isbecause, the image processing system starts, through the packet, theeven command which is capable of being, in series, executed, a number ofunwanted processing steps occurs in comparsion with general pipelineexecution when the serial sequence of commands is executed. This isdescribed in such as the document [“consideration on architectureoptimization in data operation computer” written Sakai et al, Journal ofInstitute of Information Vol. 30, No. 12, pp. 1562-1571].

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an imageprocessing system which is simple.

It is another object of this invention to provide an image processingsystem which has an advantage that an unwanted overhead does not occureven when a serial sequence of commands is executed.

Other objects of this invention will become clear as the descriptionproceeds.

According to a first aspect of this invention, there is provided animage processing system comprising:

image element memorizing means for memorizing image elements which areimage data that are subjects of process;

pointer detecting means for detecting a pointer of one of the imageelements that is capable of being processed by the image processingsystem, the pointer representing a position of the one of the imageelements;

temporary pointer memorizing means connected to the pointer detectingmeans for memorizing the pointer from the pointer detecting means; and

calculating means connected to the image element memorizing means andthe temporary pointer memorizing means for reading the pointer andprocessing an image in response to the image element of the pointerwhich is read.

According to a second aspect of this invention, there is provided animage processing system comprising:

image element memorizing means for memorizing image elements which areimage data that are subjects of process;

image element processing state memorizing means for memorizing presentprocessing states of the image elements in the image element memorizingmeans;

pointer detecting means connected to the image element processing statememorizing means for detecting, in response to the present processingstates, a pointer of one of the image elements that is capable of beingprocessed by the image processing system, the pointer representing aposition of the one of the image elements;

temporary pointer memorizing means connected to the pointer detectingmeans for memorizing the pointer from the pointer detecting means; and

calculating means connected to the image element memorizing means andthe temporary pointer memorizing means for reading the pointer andprocessing an image in response to the image element of the pointerwhich is read.

According to a third aspect of this invention, there is provide an imageprocessing system comprising:

image element memorizing means for memorizing image elements which areimage data that are subjects of process;

image element processing state memorizing means for memorizing presentprocessing states of the image elements in a plurality of tasks in theimage element memorizing means;

pointer detecting means connected to the image element processing statememorizing means for detecting, in response to the present processingstates, a pointer of one of the image elements that is capable of beingprocessed by the image processing system, the pointer representing aposition of the one of the image elements;

temporary pointer memorizing means connected to the pointer detectingmeans for memorizing the pointer in each of the tasks from the pointerdetecting means; and

calculating means connected to the image element memorizing means andthe temporary pointer memorizing means for reading the pointer andprocessing an image in response to the image element of the pointerwhich is read.

According to a fourth aspect of this invention, there is provide animage processing system comprising:

image element memorizing means for memorizing image elements which areimage data that are subjects of process;

image element processing state memorizing means for memorizing presentprocessing states of the image elements in a plurality of tasks in theimage element memorizing means;

pointer detecting means connected to the image element processing statememorizing means for detecting, in response to the present processingstates, a pointer of one of the image elements that is capable of beingprocessed by the image processing system, the pointer representing aposition of the one of the image elements;

temporary pointer memorizing means connected to the pointer detectingmeans for memorizing the pointer in each of the tasks from the pointerdetecting means;

calculating means connected to the image element memorizing means andthe temporary pointer memorizing means for reading the pointer andprocessing an image in response to the image element of the pointerwhich is read; and

task changing means connected to the temporary pointer memorizing meansand the calculating means for changing one of the tasks to another ofthe tasks which is processed by the calculating means when a process ofthe image elements of the pointer in the one of the tasks is ended.

According to a fifth aspect of this invention, there is provide an imageprocessing method comprising:

a step of memorizing image elements which are image data that aresubjects of process;

a step of detecting a pointer of one of the image elements that iscapable of being processed by the image processing method, the pointerrepresenting a position of the one of the image elements;

a step of memorizing the pointer from the step of detecting a pointer;and

a step of reading the pointer and processing an image in response to theimage element of the pointer which is read.

According to a sixth aspect of this invention, there is provide an imageprocessing method comprising:

a step of memorizing image elements which are image data that aresubjects of process;

a step of memorizing present processing states of the image elements inthe step of memorizing image element;

a step of detecting, in response to the present processing states, apointer of one of the image elements that is capable of being processedby the image processing method, the pointer representing a position ofthe one of the image elements;

a step of memorizing the pointer from the step of detecting a pointer;and

a step of reading the pointer and processing an image in response to theimage element of the pointer which is read.

According to a seventh aspect of this invention, there is provide animage processing method comprising:

a step of memorizing image elements which are image data that aresubjects of process;

a step of memorizing present processing states of the image elements ina plurality of tasks in the step of memorizing image element;

a step of detecting, in response to the present processing states, apointer of one of the image elements that is capable of being processedby the image processing method, the pointer representing a position ofthe one of the image elements;

a step of memorizing the pointer in each of the tasks from the step ofdetecting a pointer; and

a step of reading the pointer and processing an image in response to theimage element of the pointer which is read.

According to an eighth aspect of this invention, there is provide animage processing method comprising:

a step of memorizing image elements which are image data that aresubjects of process;

a step of memorizing present processing states of the image elements ina plurality of tasks in the step of memorizing image element;

a step of detecting, in response to the present processing states, apointer of one of the image elements that is capable of being processedby the image processing method, the pointer representing a position ofthe one of the image elements;

a step of memorizing the pointer in each of the tasks from the step ofdetecting a pointer detecting means;

a step of reading the pointer and processing an image in response to theimage element of the pointer which is read: and

a step of changing one of the tasks to another of the tasks which isprocessed by the step of processing an image when a process of the imageelements of the pointer in the one of the tasks is ended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to afirst embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a processor element of the image processingsystem illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for use in describing an operation of the imageprocessing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view for use in describing an operation of the imageprocessing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view for use in describing a first state of the operation ofthe image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view for use in describing a second state of the operationof the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view for use in describing a third state of the operation ofthe image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view for use in describing a fourth state of the operationof the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a view for use in describing a fifth state of the operation ofthe image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a view for use in describing a sixth state of the operationof the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a view for use in describing a seventh state of the operationof the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a view for use in describing an eighth state of the operationof the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a view for use in describing a ninth state of the operationof the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a view for use in describing a tenth state of the operationof the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a view for use in describing an eleventh state of theoperation of the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a view for use in describing a twelfth state of the operationof the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a view for use in describing a thirteenth state of theoperation of the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a processor element of an image processingsystem according to a second embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 19 is a flow chart for use in describing an operation of the imageprocessing system illustrated in FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, an image processing system according to afirst embodiment of this invention will be described. In FIG. 1, theimage processing system comprises a processor array PARY. The processorarray PARY comprises processor elements PE {x, y} which are equal in anumber to X×Y, where each of X and Y represents an integer greater thanone, x represents an integer between 0 to X-1, and y represents aninteger between 0 to Y-1. Also, the processor array PARY comprises acontrol unit CNT connected to the processor elements PE {x, y}. Thecontrol unit CNT executes to download a program to each of the processorelements PE {x, y} and to supply a command to each of the processorelements PE {x, y}. Also, the control unit CNT executes tabulation ofstatus and broadcast of data in each of the processor elements PE {x,y}.

In FIG. 2, each of the processor elements PE {x, y} comprises an imageelement memorizing device LM {x, y}, a temporary pointer memorizingdevice SQ [q] {x, y}, an image element processing state memorizingdevice SM [s] {x, y}, a calculating device CAL {x, y}, and a detectingdevice CHK {x, y}. The image element memorizing device LM {x, y}memorizes image elements which are image data that are subjects ofprocess. The temporary pointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y} memorizespointers of the image elements to be processed. The temporary pointermemorizing device SQ [q] {x, y} always outputs elements from a frontportion of the elements and receives the elements from a front portionor an end portion of the elements. The temporary pointer memorizingdevice SQ [q] {x, y} comprises pointer memorizing devices which areequal in a number to Q, where Q represents an integer greater than oneand q represents an integer between o to Q-1. The image elementprocessing state memorizing device SM [s] {x, y} memorizes presentprocessing states of the image elements in the image element memorizingdevice LM {x, y}. The image element processing state memorizing deviceSM [s] {x, y} comprises processing state memorizing devices which areequal in a number to S, where S represents an integer greater than oneand s represents an integer between o to S-1. Each of the processingstate memorizing devices comprises memorizing elements of about fewbits.

The calculating device CAL {x, y} is connected to the image elementmemorizing device LM {x, y}, the temporary pointer memorizing device SQ[q] {x, y}, and the detecting device CHK {x, y}. The calculating deviceCAL {x, y} takes out data from a front portion of the data in thetemporary pointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y}. The calculatingdevice CAL {x, y} executes reference and definition to each of the imageelements in the image element memorizing device LM {x, y}. Also, thecalculating device CAL {x, y} has an arithmetical logical calculationcapability which uses values of the image elements as operand. Thedetecting device CHK {x, y} is connected to the temporary pointermemorizing device SQ [q] {x, y}, the image element processing statememorizing device SM [s] {x, y}, and the calculating device CAL {x, y}.The detecting device CHK {x, y} supplies data to the calculating deviceCAL {x, y} and receives the data from the calculating device CAL {x, y}.The detecting device CHK {x, y} supplies data to the temporary pointermemorizing device SQ [q] {x, y}. The detecting device CHK {x, y}executes reference and definition to each of the image elements in theimage element processing state memorizing device SM [s] {x, y}. Also,The detecting device CHK {x, y} has a logical calculation capabilitywhich calculates between the image elements.

Adjacent ones of the processor elements PE {x, y} are connected throughcommunication paths A1 to A4. In case that X is equal to one, A1 and A3are not existent. Also, in case that Y is equal to one, A2 and A4 arenot existent. Adjacent ones of the detecting devices CHK {x, y} areconnected through communication paths C1 to C4. In case that X is equalto one, C1 and C3 are not existent. Also, in case that Y is equal toone, C2 and C4 are not existent.

Next, referring to FIG. 3, an operation of the control unit CNT and theprocessor elements PE {x, y} in the processor array PARY will bedescribed in detail. In addition, in as explained below, variables q,q0, q1. q2, s, s1, s2, EMPTY, k,Z, z1, z2, val, ptr, and Ptr are used.In this event, the variables q, q0, q1, and q2 are for specifying one ofthe pointer memorizing devices in the temporary pointer memorizingdevice SQ [q] {x, y} that are equal in a number to Q. The variables s,s1, and s2 are for specifying one of the processing state memorizingdevices in the image element processing state memorizing device SM [s]{x, y} that are equal in a number to S. The variable EMPTY is forrepresenting one of the pointer memorizing devices in the temporarypointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y} that is empty. The variablesk,Z, z1, z2, and val are for prescribing an operation of the detectingdevice CHK {x, y}. The variable ptr is for representing store of thepointer to the image element. The variable Ptr is for representing storeof the pointer to the processor elements PE {x, y}. Also, in case thatan ambiguity is specially not caused, in representation of PE {x, y},{x, y} which is pointer to PE is omitted. Namely, the representation ofPE {x, y} is only written by PE. In addition, in representation of suchas LM {x, y}, SQ [q] {x, y}, SM [s] {x, y}, CAL {x, y}, and CHK {x, y},{x, y} is omitted. For example, the representation of SQ [q] {x, y} isonly written by SQ [q].

The processor array PARY executes steps A0 to A10. The control unit CNTexecutes the steps A0 to A3. Each of the processor elements PE {x, y}executes the steps A4 to A10. The calculating device CAL the executessteps A4 to A6. The detecting device CHK executes the steps A7 to A10.

At the step A0, the control unit CNT executes initialization. Namely,the control unit CNT broadcasts pointer {i, j} of a suitable imageelement to each of the processor elements PE. In this event, in each ofthe processor elements PE, the detecting device CHK supplies the {i, j}to a suitable temporary pointer memorizing device SQ. The step A0proceeds to the step A1 at which the control unit CNT discriminateswhether or not all temporary pointer memorizing devices SQ in the allprocessor elements PE are empty. When the all temporary pointermemorizing devices SQ in the all processor elements PE are empty, allprocesses are ended. Otherwise, the step A1 proceeds to the step A2 atwhich the control unit CNT sets variable EMPTY representing that anyones of SQ of 0 to Q-1 are empty.

The step A2 proceeds to the step A3 at which the control unit CNT sets,in response to the variable EMPTY. suitable values between 0 to Q-1 asthe variables q0, q1, and q2. The control unit CNT sets, in response tothe variable EMPTY, suitable values between 0 to S-1 as the variables s1and s2. Also, the control unit CNT sets, in response to the variableEMPTY, suitable values as the variables such as pc, k, z2, z1, and val.

The step A3 proceeds to the step A4 at which the processor element PEdiscriminates whether or not the SQ [q0] is empty. When the SQ [q0] isempty, the process is stopped. Otherwise, the step A4 proceeds to thestep A5 at which the processor element PE pops datum of the SQ [q0] froma head portion of the SQ [q0]. This datum which is popped is pointer tothe image element and are hereafterwritten (i, j). Also, the imageelement of the LM that is indicated by the (i, j) is written LM(i, j).The image element of the SM that is indicated by the s indicated by the(i, j) is written SM [s] (i, j). In addition, the processor element PEalso supplies the (i, j) to the detecting device CHK. The step A5proceeds to the step A6. In case of specifying, the step A5 proceeds tothe step A7.

At the step A6, for example, the calculating device CAL processes, asoperand, such as an adjacent image element to the image element LM(i,j). In addition, when the adjacent image element of the image elementLM(i, j) exists in another processor element PE, the calculating deviceCAL is supplied with the adjacent image element from the other processorelement PE through the communication paths A1 to A4. Thereafter, in caseof specifying, the step A6 proceeds to the step A7 at which theoperation of the detecting device CHK is started.

At the step A7, q2 is substituted in the variable q, s2 is substitutedin the variable s, (i, j) is substituted in the variable ptr, and (x, y)is substituted in the variable Ptr. The step A7 proceeds to the step A8at which the detecting device CHK checks whether or not the condition Zis realized. In addition, the check is carried out by the detectingdevice CHK of the processor elements PE that is indicated by the Ptr,namely, CHK(Ptr). Also, when it is necessary to make, in the check,reference to elements of the SM in the processor elements PE except theprocessor element PE which is indicated by the Ptr, the detectingdevices CHK mutually supplies the elements to the other detectingdevices CHK and mutually receives the elements from the other detectingdevices CHK through the communication paths C1 to C4. When the conditionZ is realized, the step A8 proceeds to the step A9. Otherwise, the stepA8 proceeds to the step A10. At the step A9, the CHK(Ptr) inserts theptr to the SQ [q] (Ptr) and sets the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr) at PUSHED.

The step A10 comprises steps A10-1 and A10-2. At the step A10-1, thedetecting device CHK substitutes val, q1 s1, and z1 to the SM [s1] (i,j), q, s, and Z, respectively. Thereafter, at the step A10-2, the ptr isset at (i1, j1) and the Ptr is set at {x1, y1} in each of an adjacentpointer (i1, j1) {x1, y1} which is indicated by K of the (i, j). In thiscondition, the process of the steps A8, A9, and A10-2 is repeated in anumber of the pointers. Thereafter, the process returns to the step A1.In addition, the {x1, y1} represents pointer of the processor element PEin which an element indicated by (i1, j1) is existent. In case that anelement indicated by (i, j) and an element indicated by (i1, j1) existin the same processor element PE, the {x1, y1} is equal to the {x, y}.

The above mentioned operation of the image processing system accordingto the first embodiment of this invention is put in order as follow. Atthe step A0, the pointer of the image element to be first processed isstored in a suitable SQ of 0 to Q-1. Next, in the repeated operation ofthe steps A1 to A10, the control unit CNT, the calculating device CAL,and the detecting device CHK are operated as follow.

At the steps A1 to A3, the control unit CNT is operated as follow. Thecontrol unit CNT tests all processor elements PE. When all SQ are empty,all processes are stopped. Otherwise, the control unit CNT sets thevariable EMPTY representing that any ones of SQ of 0 to Q-1 are empty.The control unit CNT sets, in response to the variable EMPTY, suitablenumbers of SQ to q0, q1, and q2, suitable numbers of SM to s1 and s2,and program counter pc. Also, the control unit CNT sets, in response tothe variable EMPTY, the variables k, z2, z1, val, q, s, Z, ptr, and Ptrwhich prescribe the operation of the detecting device CHK.

At the steps A4 to A10, each of the processor elements PE is operated asfollow. In each of the processor elements PE, the calculating device CALtakes out the pointer to the image element to be processed and processesthe image element indicated by the pointer until the SQ [q0] is empty.The detecting device CHK detects the image element to be next processedand stores the pointer of the image element to SQ [q1] or SQ [q2].Thereafter, the step A10 returns to the step A1. Namely, the calculatingdevice CAL, as repeated operation, takes out the pointer of the imageelement in the SQ from the front portion of the SQ and processes theimage element indicated by the pointer until all SQ of the all processorelements PE are empty. In addition, if necessary, the calculating deviceCAL processes the image element indicated by the pointer with referenceof the adjacent image element value in the image element. The detectingdevice CHK discriminates whether or not the adjacent image element ofthe image element that is indicated materializes a predeterminedcondition. When the adjacent image element of the image element that isindicated materializes the predetermined condition, the detecting deviceCHK supplies the pointer of the image element to the suitable SQ in thesuitable processor element PE.

As mentioned, in the image processing system according to the firstembodiment of this invention, while the calculating device CAL carriesout process of the image element, the detecting device CHK, in series,tests corresponding SM. Therefore the detecting device CHK dynamicallydetects the pointer of the image element which is capable of beingprocessed to store the pointer to the SQ. As a result, it is possible toeffectively process the image element.

Next, the description will proceed to first and second concreteexecution examples of the image processing system according to the firstembodiment of this invention. Each of the first and second concreteexecution examples is uniformly determined by specifying followingconditions. The conditions are to, in what manner, initialize each ofthe SQ at the step A0, to, in what manner, set q0, q1, q2, s1, s2, pc,k, z1, z2, and val at the step A3, to start the operation of the step A7at either the step A5 or the step A6, and to, in what manner, executethe process.

The description will proceed to the first concrete execution example asregards an algorithm that is a concrete execution example of a serialimage process. The algorithm executes distance transformation to animage by scanning the image two times in opposite directions. Thealgorithm is described in the document “G. Borgefors, DistanceTransformation in Digital Images, Computer Vision, Graphics, and ImageProcessing, 34, pp. 344-371, 1986”. In addition, the distancetransformation is a process for transferring an image element value ofeach of a frontground image element in a binary image to a distancevalue to a background image element which is nearest to the frontgroundimage element.

In the LM of each of the processor elements PE, binary image elementswhich are equal in a number to I×L and each of which has either MAX or 0are previously memorized. Also, in response to this, in the SM of eachof the processor elements PE, elements which are equal in a number toI×L and each of which has either FIN or FRONT are previously memorized.

In the first concrete execution example of the image processing systemwhich uses the algorithm which executes distance transformation to theimage by scanning the image two times in opposite directions, theconditions are given as follow. At the step A0, (0, 0) is supplied toeach of the processor elements PE. In a time of first passing the stepA3, the conditions are given as follow. The q0 and q1 are at qa which isa number of one of SQ that is not empty. The q2 is at qb which is anumber of one of SQ that is not empty. The s1 and s2 are, respectively,set at sa and sb which are numbers of the suitable SM, where sa is notequal to sb. The pc is set at a front portion of a executable imageelement detecting subprogram. The k is set at portions 6 and 8 in FIG. 4except the case that element at the portions 6 and 8 exist in the otherprocessor element PE. The z2 is set at a condition that the SM [s](ptr)(Ptr) has FRONT and adjacent elements of the portions 1, 2, 3, and4, as a center of the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr), in FIG. 4 have FIN. The z1 isset at a condition that SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr) is a state except PUSHED. Theval is set at SM [s2] (ptr). At the step A5, the step A7 is set to bestarted.

When the SQ [q0] is first empty in a time of passing the step A3,namely, when preparation of start of process for first scanning isended, the conditions are given as follow. The q0 and q1 are at qa whichis a number of one of SQ that is not empty. The q2 is at qb which is anumber of one of SQ that is not empty. Values of the s1 and s2 areexchanged each other. The pc is set at a front portion of a distancecalculating subprogram DISTA. The k is set at portions 5, 6, 7, and 8 inFIG. 4. The z2 is set at a condition that the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr) hasFRONT and adjacent elements of the portions 5, 6, 7, and 8, as a centerof the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr), in FIG. 4 has FIN. The z1 is set at acondition that the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr) has FRONT and adjacent elements ofthe portions 1, 2, 3, and 4, as a center of the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr), inFIG. 4 have FIN. The val is set at FIN. At the step A5, the step A7 isset to be started.

When the SQ [q0] is second empty in a time of passing the step A3,namely, when process for first scanning is ended, the conditions aregiven as follow. The pc is set at the front portion of the distancecalculating subprogram DISTB. The k is set at portions 1, 2, 3, and 4 inFIG. 4. The z2 is set at a condition that the z2 is unconditionally notrealized. The z1 is set at a condition that the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr) hasFRONT and adjacent elements of the portions 5, 6, 7, and 8, as a centerof the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr), in FIG. 4 have FIN. The conditions except theabove mentioned conditions are set at the same conditions in case thatthe SQ [q0] is first empty in a time of passing the step A3.

When the SQ [q0] is third empty in a time of passing the step A3,namely, when process for second scanning is ended, the conditions arenot set because the SQ of all numbers are empty.

At the step A6, the process is executed in obedience to a sequence ofcommand which is broadcasted from the control unit CNT. In addition, itis assumed that (i, j) hereafter represents the pointer to the imageelement which is popped at the step A5. An executable image elementdetecting subprogram section does not execute any processes.

A process of the distance calculating subprogram DISTA is a process forrewriting the LM(i, j) by a value which is equal to the minimum value ofthe LM(i, j), a value added VD to an image element value at portion 1 inFIG. 4, a value added VD to an image element value at portion 2 in FIG.4, a value added VD to an image element value at portion 3 in FIG. 4,and a value added VD to an image element value at portion 4 in FIG. 4. Aprocess of the distance calculating subprogram DISTB is a process forrewriting the LM(i, j) by a value which is equal to the minimum value ofthe LM(i, j), a value added VD to an image element value at portion 5 inFIG. 4, a value added VD to an image element value at portion 6 in FIG.4, a value added VD to an image element value at portion 7 in FIG. 4,and a value added VD to an image element value at portion 8 in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5 to 10 show progresses in the middle of the process and a finalresult of the process of the first concrete execution example. In thisevent, the conditions are determined as follow. The VS is 2 and the VDis 3. Binary test images which includes eight objects which have middlesizes are subjects. An image size is equal to 32×32. A number of theprocessor elements PE in the processor array PARY is equal to X×Y. Animage size I×J which is stored in each of the processor elements PE isthat X is equal to 32, Y is equal to 1, I is equal to 1, and J is equalto 32. Therefore, in the LM of each of the processor elements PE,adjacent binary image elements which are equal in a number to 1×32,namely, which are arranged in a column. Each of the binary imageelements has either MAX or o, where MAX is equal to 255. The pointerwhich indicates each of the image elements is equal to a value between(0, 0) to (0, 31). Also, {x, y} is equal to a value between {0, 0} to{31, 0}.

Namely, FIG. 5 shows a state of the SQ [q0] and LM of all processorelements PE in case of ending repeat 1 of first scanning. FIG. 6 shows astate of the SQ [q0] and LM of all processor elements PE in case ofending repeat 5 of the first scanning. FIG. 7 shows a state of the SQ[q0] and LM of all processor elements PE in case of ending repeat of thefirst scanning. FIG. 8 shows a state of the SQ [q0] and LM of allprocessor elements PE in case of ending repeat 1 of second scanning.FIG. 9 shows a state of the SQ [q0] and LM of all processor elements PEin case of ending repeat 5 of the second scanning. FIG. 10 shows a stateof the SQ [q0] and LM of all processor elements PE in case of endingrepeat of the second scanning. FIG. 10 represents a distance image of aprocess result. In addition, in FIGS. 5 to 10, all numerals arerepresented by hexadecimal notation. Numerals of o to 31 (31 isrepresented by 1f in hexadecimal notation) are, as numbers of theprocessor elements PE, written for marks in a row which straight extendto right as starting from point of pe) which is positioned in the leftupper. Numerals of o to 31 (31 is represented by 1f in hexadecimalnotation) are, as address values of y components in the LM of each ofthe processor elements PE, written for marks in a column which straightextend under as starting from point of pe).

The sum total of the number of repeat times of the process of the testimage shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 is equal to 67. This is because the numberof repeat times of the preparation process for first scanning is equalto 32, the number of repeat times of the process for first scanning isequal to 19, and the number of repeat times of the process for secondscanning is equal to 16. On the other hand, the sum total of the numberof repeat times of the process of the test image in the manner which isdescribed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Prepublication (kokai) No.055552/1996 is equal to (2×(32−1)+32)=188. Namely, according to thefirst concrete execution example of the first embodiment of thisinvention, it is possible to realize the equal process in the number ofrepeat times which is equal to about ⅓ of that of the conventionalmanner.

The description will proceed to a second concrete execution example ofthe first embodiment of this invention. The second concrete executionexample relates to a process which executes a thinning process to theimage to obtain a skeleton line and to obtain image element number(skeleton line length) which comprise the skeleton line. In addition, itis assumed that a foreground image element having a background imageelement as an adjacent image element is called an outline image element,the thinning process is a process for repeating to delete an imageelement which, at a point of time, becomes the outline image elementwhen each of objects which are formed by collection of the foregroundimage elements of the image, in the middle of the process, is divided.Namely, the thinning process is a process for deleting, one layer by onelayer, the object in order from the outside. The thinning process has alimitation that it is impossible to start to delete next layer beforeend of deletion of a layer.

It is assumed that adjacent image elements which are equal in a numberto I×J are previously stored in the LM of the processor elements PE,where each of the adjacent image elements has either FRONT or BACK.Also, in response to this, it is assumed that image elements which areequal in a number to I×J are previously stored in the SM of theprocessor elements PE, where each of the image elements has either FRONTor BACK.

In the second concrete execution example of the first embodiment of thisinvention, conditions are given as follow. At the step A0, (0, 0) issupplied to each of the processor elements PE. In a time of firstpassing the step A3, the conditions are given as follow. The q0 and q1are at qa which is a number of one of SQ that is not empty and isselected. The q2 is at qb which is a number of one of SQ that is notempty and is selected. The s1 and s2 are, respectively, set at sa and sbwhich are numbers of the suitable SM, where sa is not equal to sb. Thepc is set at a front portion of a executable image element detectingsubprogram. The k is set at portions 6 and 8 in FIG. 4 except the casethat element at the portions 6 and 8 exist in the other processorelement PE. The z2 is set at a condition that the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr) hasFRONT and at least one of elements of the portions 1 to 8, as a centerof the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr), in FIG. 4 has BACK. The z1 is set at acondition that SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr) is a state except PUSHED. The val isset at SM [s2] (ptr). At the step A5, the step A7 is set to be started.

When the SQ [q1] is not empty and the SQ [q0] is first empty in a timeof passing the step A3, namely, when preparation of thinning process isended, the conditions are given as follow. The q0 is at qa which is anumber of one of SQ that is not empty and is selected. The q1 and q2 areat qb and qc which are numbers of two of SQ that are empty and areselected. Values of the s1 and s2 are not exchanged. The pc is set at afront portion of an image element deleting subprogram. The k is set atportions 1 to 8 in FIG. 4. The z2 is set at a condition that the val hasFIN. The z1 is set at a condition that the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr) has FRONTand at least one of adjacent elements of the portions 1 to 8, as acenter of the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr), in FIG. 4 has BACK. The val is set atthe step A6. At the step A6, the step A7 is set to be started.

When the SQ [q1] is not empty and the SQ [q0] is, second and hereafter,empty in a time of passing the step A3, namely, when process fordeleting a layer of the foreground objects is ended, the conditions aregiven as follow. The values, of q0 and q1 are set to be exchanged. Theq2 is not changed. The conditions except those are not changed.

When the SQ [q2] is not empty and both of the SQ [q0] and SQ [q1] areempty in a time of passing the step A3, the conditions are set asfollow. The pc is set at a front portion of a skeleton line lengthcalculating subprogram. The q0 is set at a value of the q2. Theconditions except those are not changed.

At the step A6, the process is executed in obedience to a sequence ofcommand which is broadcasted from the control unit CNT. In addition, itis assumed that (i, j) hereafter represents the pointer to the imageelement which is popped at the step A5. The executable image elementdetecting subprogram section does not execute the any processes. Whenthe LM(i, j) is FRONT and image elements at portions 1 to 8, as a centerof the LM(i, j), in FIG. 4 are one of the states which are shown in FIG.11, an image element deleting subprogram section rewrites the LM(i, j)to FIN. Otherwise, the image element deleting subprogram sectionrewrites the LM(i, j) to BACK. However, each of the processor elementsPE, before the process, discriminates, through the communication pathsA1 to A4, whether or not the processor element PE which is adjacent tooneself is in the middle of processing one of the image elements at theportions 1 to 8 in FIG. 4. When the processor element PE which isadjacent to oneself is in the middle of processing one of the imageelements at the portions 1 to 8 in FIG. 4, the other processor elementPE is started after end of the process of the processor element PE.Also, when the val is set at a condition that a value of the LM(i, j)after is written is FIN, the val is set at FIN. Otherwise, the val isset at a value of the LM(i, j) before is written. In a skeleton linelength calculating subprogram section, the calculating device CAL of thespecific processor element PE, through the communication paths A1 to A4,adds and tabulates the number of pointers which exist in the SQ [q0] ofeach of the processor elements PE to supply the result, as the processresult, to the control unit CNT and thereafter all SQ [q0] are flashed(all SQ [q0] become empty).

In FIG. 11, the portion 0 of FIG. 4 is represented by # and the valuesof the portions 1 to 8 of FIG. 4 in the view from this are representedby “.”, “1”, and “0”. The “.” represents BACK or FRONT, the “1”represents FRONT, and the “0” represents BACK.

FIGS. 12 to 16 show progresses in the middle of the process and a finalresult of the process of the second concrete execution example whichcomprises the same processor array PARY and which processes the sametest image of the first concrete execution example. Namely, FIG. 12shows contents of the all LM and the SQ [q0] when the SQ [q0] becomesfirst empty and after the number q2 of the SQ that is not empty at thestep A3 is substited to the q0. FIG. 13 shows contents of the LM and theSQ [q0] of the all processor elements PE after the process is repeatedfive times after the SQ [q0] becomes first empty. FIG. 14 shows contentsof the LM and the SQ [q0] of the all processor elements PE when the SQ[q0] becomes second empty. FIG. 15 shows contents of the LM and the SQ[q0] of the all processor elements PE when the SQ [q0] becomes thirdempty. FIG. 16 shows contents of the LM and the SQ [q0] of the allprocessor elements PE when the SQ [q0] becomes fourth empty, namely,when the thinning process is ended.

In addition, in FIGS. 12 to 16, it is represented by ff that the valueof LM is FIN. It is represented by 1 that the value of LM is FRONT. Itis represented by 66 that the value of LM is FRONT and the pointer tothis presently exists in the SQ [q2]. It is represented by 77 that thevalue of LM is FRONT and the pointer to this presently exists in the SQ[q0].

The description will be made as regards the number of process repeattimes which needs in the thinning process of the binary image in Figs.14 to 17. The number of process repeat times is equal to 32 until the SQ[q0] is first empty. Next, the number of process repeat times is equalto 10 until the SQ [q0] is second empty. Next, the number of processrepeat times is equal to 5 until the SQ [q0] is third empty. Next, thenumber of process repeat times is equal to 1 until the SQ [q0] is fourthempty, namely, until the thinning process is ended. The sum total of thenumber of process repeat times is equal to 48.

On the other hand, the number of process repeat times in theconventional manner is equal to 96. The conventional manner uses theconventional same processor array PARY in which the process is executed,in parallel, in the processor elements PE and the process is serially(in order) executed in each of the processor elements PE. Namely, eachof the processor elements PE serially discriminates whether or not theimage elements of 32 in each of LM realizes the deleting condition shownin FIG. 11. When the image elements of 32 in each of LM realizes thedeleting condition shown in FIG. 11, each of the processor elements PEserially deletes the image element. Since, in case of the test imagewhich has the image elements of 32×32, the number of layers to bedeleted is equal to 3, the number of process repeat times in theconventional manner is equal to (32×3)=96. Namely, according to thesecond concrete execution example of the first embodiment of thisinvention, it is possible to execute the equal process in the number ofprocess repeat times of ½ of that of the conventional manner.

Also, in case that the same image is enlarged, the first embodiment ofthis invention has remarkable effect. Namely, as shown in FIG. 17, forexample, in case of the image of 256×256, according to the firstembodiment of this invention, it is possible to execute the equalprocess in the number of process repeat times of {fraction (1/10)} ofthat of the conventional manner.

The description will proceed to a second embodiment of this invention.In the above mentioned first embodiment of this invention, each of theprocessor elements PE has not a program memory IM and a program counterPC and all processor elements PE execute commands which are broadcastedfrom the control unit CNT. The first embodiment of this invention isbased on, as it is called, the SIMD (Single Instruction Mutiple Data)system. On the other hand, in the second embodiment of this invention,although the same program is loaded in all processor elements PE, eachof the processor elements PE can execute different portions of the sameprogram because each of the processor elements PE has the programcounter PC. The second embodiment of this invention is based on, as itis called, the SPMD (Single Program Mutiple Data) system. Referring toFigs. 18 and 11, the second embodiment of this invention will bedescribed in detail. FIG. 18 is a block diagram of each of processorelements PE {x, y} of a processor array of the image processing systemaccording to the second embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 18, eachof the processor elements PE {x, y} comprises an image elementmemorizing device LM {x, y}, a command memorizing device IM {x, y}, aprogram counter pc, a temporary pointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y},an image element processing state memorizing device SM [s] {x, y}, acalculating device CAL {x, y}, and a detecting device CHK {x, y}. Theimage element memorizing device LM {x, y} memorizes image elements whichare image data that are subjects of process. The command memorizingdevice IM {x, y} memorizes commands. The temporary pointer memorizingdevice SQ [q] {x, y} memorizes pointers of the image elements to beprocessed. The temporary pointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y} alwaysoutputs elements from a front portion of the elements and receives theelements from a front portion or an end portion of the elements. Thetemporary pointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y} comprises pointermemorizing devices which are equal in a number to Q, where Q representsan integer greater than one and q represents an integer between 0 toQ-1. The image element processing state memorizing device SM [s] {x, y}memorizes present processing states of the image elements in the imageelement memorizing device LM {x, y}. The image element processing statememorizing device SM [s] {x, y} comprises processing state memorizingdevices which are equal in a number to S, where S represents an integergreater than one and s represents an integer between 0 to S-1. Each ofthe processing state memorizing devices comprises memorizing elements ofabout few bits.

The calculating device CAL {x, y} is connected to the image elementmemorizing device LM {x, y}, the command memorizing device IM {x, y},the temporary pointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y}, and the detectingdevice CHK {x, y}. The calculating device CAL {x, y} takes out data froma front portion of the data in the temporary pointer memorizing deviceSQ [q] {x, y}. The calculating device CAL {x, y} reads out the commandfrom the command memorizing device IM {x, y}. The calculating device CAL{x, y}, in response to the command from the command memorizing device IM{x, y}, executes reference and definition to each of the image elementsin the image element memorizing device LM {x, y}.

Also, the calculating device CAL {x, y} has an arithmetical logicalcalculation capability which uses values of the image elements asoperand. The detecting device CHK {x, y} is connected to the temporarypointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y}, the image element processingstate memorizing device SM [s] {x, y}, and the calculating device CAL{x, y}. The detecting device CHK {x, y} supplies data to the calculatingdevice CAL {x, y} and receives the data from the calculating device CAL{x, y}. The detecting device CHK {x, y} supplies data to the temporarypointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y}. The detecting device CHK {x, y}executes reference and definition to each of the image elements in theimage element processing state memorizing device SM [s] {x, y}. Also,The detecting device CHK {x, y} has a logical calculation capabilitywhich calculates between the image elements.

Adjacent ones of the processor elements PE {x, y} are connected throughcommunication paths A1 to A4. In case that X is equal to one, A1 and A3are not existent. Also, in case that Y is equal to one, A2 and A4 arenot existent. Adjacent ones of the detecting devices CHK {x, y} areconnected through communication paths C1 to C4. In case that X is equalto one, C1 and C3 are not existent. Also, in case that Y is equal toone, C2 and C4 are not existent.

Next, referring to FIG. 19, an operation of the control unit CNT and theprocessor elements PE {x, y} in the processor array PARY will bedescribed in detail. In addition, as explained below, as shown in thefirst embodiment of this invention, variables q, q0, q1, q2, s, s1, s2,EMPTY, k, Z, z1, z2, val, ptr, and Ptr are used. In this event, thevariables q, q0, q1, and q2 are for specifying one of the pointermemorizing devices in the temporary pointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x,y} that are equal in a number to Q. The variables s, s1, and s2 are forspecifying one of the processing state memorizing devices in the imageelement processing state memorizing device SM [s] {x, y} that are equalin a number to S.

The variable EMPTY is for representing one of the pointer memorizingdevices in the temporary pointer memorizing device SQ [q] {x, y} that isempty. The variables k, Z, z1, z2, and val are for prescribing anoperation of the detecting device CHK {x, y}. The variable ptr is forrepresenting store of the pointer to the image element. The variable Ptris for representing store of the pointer to the processor elements PE{x, y}. Also, in case that an ambiguity is specially not caused, inrepresentation of PE {x, y}, {x, y} which is pointer to PE is omitted.Namely, the representation of PE {x, y} is only written by PE. Inaddition, in representation of such as LM {x, y}, SQ [q] {x, y}, SM [s]{x, y}, CAL {x, y}, and CHK {x, y}, {x, y} is omitted. For example, therepresentation of SQ [q] {x, y} is only written by SQ [q].

The processor array PARY executes steps B0 to B15. The control unit CNTexecutes the steps B0 to B4. Each of the processor elements PE {x, y}executes the steps B5 to B15. The calculating device CAL executes thesteps B5 to B10. The detecting device CHK executes the steps B11 to B15.

At the step B0, the control unit CNT executes initialization. Namely,the control unit CNT broadcasts pointer (i, j) of suitable image elementto each of the processor elements PE. In this event, in each of theprocessor elements PE, the detecting device CHK supplies the (i, j) tothe suitable SQ. Also, the control unit CNT makes signals 1, 3, and 4OFF and sets signal 2 and flag H at ON. The control unit CNT down loadsthe program to each of the LM. Thereafter, the step B0 proceeds to thestep B2.

At the step B1, when all signals 4 from all processor elements PE areON, the control unit CNT judges that a synchronization is realized tomake the signals 4 from all processor elements PE OFF. Thereafter, thestep B1 proceeds to the step B2. At the step B2, the control unit CNTdisciminates whether or not all SQ in all processor elements PE areempty. When all SQ in all processor elements PE are empty, the step B2proceeds to the step B3. Otherwise, the step B2 proceeds to the step B4.At the step B3, the control unit CNT sets the flag H at OFF andbroadcasts it to all processor elements PE. Thereafter, the control unitCNT ends the process. At the step B4, the control unit CNT sets variableEMPTY representing that any ones of the SQ of 0 to Q-1 are empty.Thereafter, the step B4 proceeds to the step B5.

At the step B5, the calculating device CAL judges whether or not asynchronization of the signals 1 and 2 is realized. When both of thesignals 1 and 2 are ON, the step B5 proceeds to the step B6. Thereafter,the calculating device CAL makes the signals 1 and 2 OFF. At the stepB6, the calculating device CAL, in response to the variable EMPTY, setssuitable variables between 0 to Q-1 as the variables q0, q1, and q2. Thecalculating device CAL, in response to the variable EMPTY, sets suitablevariables between 0 to S-1 as the variables s0 and s1. Also, thecalculating device CAL, in response to the variable EMPTY, sets suitablevariables as the variables such as pc, k, z2, z1, and val.

The step B6 proceeds to the step B7 at which the calculating device CALdiscriminates whether or not the SQ [q0] is empty. When the SQ [q0] isempty, the calculating device CAL sets the signal 4 at ON and thereafterthe step B7 proceeds to the step B8. Otherwise, the step B7 proceeds tothe step B9. At the step B8, the calculating device CAL discriminateswhether or not the flag H is ON. When the flag H is ON, the calculatingdevice CAL sets the signal 2 at ON. When the flag H is OFF, thecalculating device CAL ends the process.

At the step B9, the calculating device CAL pops datum of the SQ [q0]from a head portion of the SQ [q0] and makes the signal 1 OFF. Also, incase of specifying, the calculating device CAL makes the signal 3 ON.The datum which is popped is pointer to the image element and ishereafter written (i, j). Also, the image element of the LM that isindicated by the (i, j) is written LM [s] (i, j).

The image element of the SM that is indicated by the s indicated by the(i, j) is written SM [s] (i, j). In addition, the calculating device CALalso supplies the (i, j) to the detecting device CHK.

At the step B10, the calculating device CAL fetches the command which isindicated by the pc from the IM. The calculating device CAL executes, inresponse to the command, the process of, for example, the image elementLM(i, j) with making such as the adjacent image element operand and withincrement of the pc. Also, in case of specifying, the calculating deviceCAL rewrites the values of such as the pc, q0, q1, q2, s0, s1, z2, z1,and val. In addition, when the adjacent image element of the imageelement LM(i, j) exists in another processor element PE, the calculatingdevice CAL is supplied with the adjacent image element from the otherprocessor element PE through the communication paths A1 to A4.Thereafter in case of specifying, the calculating device CAL makes thesignal 3 ON. The step B10 proceeds to the step B11.

At the step B11, when the signal 3 becomes ON, the detecting device CHKmakes the signal 3 OFF. The step B11 proceeds to the step B12. At thestep B12, the detecting device CHK substitutes q2, s2, z2, (i, j), and(x, y) to the variables q, s, Z, ptr, and Ptr. The step B12 proceeds tothe step B13.

At the step B13, the detecting device CHK checks whether or not thecondition Z is realized. In addition, the check is executed by thedetecting device CHK of the processor element PE which is indicated bythe Ptr, namely, the CHK(Ptr). Also, when it is necessary, in the check,to make reference to elements of the SM of the processor elements PEexcept the processor element PE indicated by the Ptr, the detectingdevices CHK mutually supplies the elements to the other detectingdevices CHK and mutually receives the elements from the other detectingdevices CHK through the communication paths C1 to C4. When the conditionZ is realized, the step B13 proceeds to the step B14. Otherwise, thestep B13 proceeds to the step B15. At the step B14, the CHK(Ptr) insertsthe ptr to the SQ [q] (Ptr) and sets the SM [s] (ptr)(Ptr) at PUSHED.

The step B15 comprises steps B15-1 and B15-2. At the step B15-1, thedetecting device CHK substitutes val, q1, s1, and z1 to the SM [s1] (i,j), q, s, and z. Thereafter, at the step B15-2, the ptr is set at (i1,j1) and the Ptr is set at {x1, y1} in each of an adjacent pointer(i1,j1) {x1, y1} which is indicated by K of the (i, j). In this condition,the process of the steps B13, B14, and B15-2 is repeated in a number ofthe pointer.

After the process is ended, the detecting device CHK makes the signalON. In addition, the {x1, y1} represents pointer of the processorelement PE in which an element indicated by (i1, j1) is existent. Incase that an element indicated by the (i, j) and an element indicated bythe (i1, j1) exist in the same processor element PE, the {x1, y1} isequal to the {x, y}.

The above mentioned operation of the image processing system accordingto the second embodiment of this invention is put in order as follow. Atthe step B0, the control unit CNT downloads the same program to allprocessor elements PE. Also, the pointer of the image element to befirst processed is stored in a suitable SQ of 0 to Q-1. Next, in therepeated operation of the steps B1 to B15, the control unit CNT, thecalculating device CAL, and the detecting device CHK are operated asfollow.

At the steps B1 to B4, the control unit CNT discriminates whether or notall SQ are empty. When all SQ are empty, the control unit CNT makes theflag H OFF to stop all process. Otherwise, the control unit CNT suppliesthe variable EMPTY to each of the processor elements PE. The variableEMPTY represents that any ones of the SQ are empty.

At the steps B5 to B15, each of the processor elements PE sets, inresponse to the variable EMPTY, the pc. Each of the processor elementsPE sets, in response to the variable EMPTY, suitable SQ numbers to theq0, q1, and q2. Each of the processor elements PE sets, in response tothe variable EMPTY, suitable SM numbers to the s1 and s2. Each of theprocessor elements PE sets, in response to the variable EMPTY, suitablevalues as the variables such as k, z2, z1, val, q, s, Z, ptr, and Ptrwhich prescribe the operation of the detecting device CHK. Thecalculating device CAL takes the pointer to the image element to beprocessed and processes the image element indicated by the pointer untilthe SQ [q0] is empty. The detecting device CHK detects the image elementto be next processed and stores the pointer of the image element to SQ[q1] or SQ [q2].

If the other SQ which is not empty in the processor element PE when theSQ [q0] becomes empty in the same processor element PE, the processorelement PE, in accordance with instruction of the program, sets the q0,q1, and q2 at the other SQ numbers which are not empty and sets the s1and s2 at corresponding suitable SM numbers. In the condition, the abovementioned repeated operation is restarted.

The second embodiment of this invention has following different pointsin comparision with the first embodiment of this invention because thesecond embodiment comprises the processor elements PE each of which hasthe program memory IM and program counter pc. As shown in FIG. 19, thesecond embodiment sets such as the q0, q1, q2, s1, s2, pc, k, z1, and z2in each of the processor elements PE. The second embodiment comprisesthe flag H which is for stopping the operation of each of the processorelements PE. The second embodiment is capable of asynchronouslyoperating the control unit CNT and each of the processor elements PE.Also, the second embodiment is capable of asynchronously operating thecalculating device CAL and the detecting device CHK in the processorelement PE.

In comparision with the second embodiment, the first embodiment has notthe the program memory IM and program counter pc (FIG. 18) and decreasessizes of the S and Q which represent numbers of the SM and SQ.

In addition of the effect of the first embodiment, the second embodimenthas an effect that it is easily possible to, in superimposition, operatea plurality of independent tasks. Namely, since each of the tasks areassigned to respective sets of the SQ and respective SM, the SQ and SMwhich correspond to the other tasks are changed to the process subjectsin each of the processor elements PE when the SQ which correspond to atask becomes empty. As a result, it is possible to increase anavailability factor of each of the processor elements PE.

The second embodiment has another effect that it is possible to, insuperimposition, operate the tasks which are interdependent, namely,have a dependent relation that a following task uses a process result ofa preceding task. Therefore, the second embodiment has the other effectthat it is possible to start the following task before end of thepreceding task. Namely, while a specific set of the SQ (for example, SQ[q0] and SQ [q1]) and a specific SM (for example, SM [s1]) whichmemorizes a process result execute a preceding task to produce apreceding process result and to, in order, input the preceding processresult another specific SQ (for example, SQ [q2]]), another specific SM(for example, SM [s2]) memorizes the process result of other specificSQ. Thereby, when the SQ which corresponds to the process of thepreceding task is temporarily empty, the SQ and SM which are the processsubjects are changed to the SQ (in this event, SQ [q2]) which memorizesthe preceding process result and the SM (in this event, SM [s2]) whichmemorizes the following task. In this event, it is possible to process,at that time, a part of the following task which is capable of beingprocessed in the intervals of the process of the preceding task.

As above mentioned, the image processing system of this inventioncomprises a device which dynamically detects the image element which iscapable of being processed and a device which dynamically supplies theimage element detected to a calculating section. More concretely, theimage processing system of this invention comprises a memorizing section(the SM in FIG. 2) which memorizes a present image element processingstate, a detecting section (the CHK in FIG. 2) which makes reference tothe present image element processing state to detect whether or not animage element which is positioned near to an image element of presentprocess is capable of being processed, and a temporary memorizingsection (the SQ in FIG. 2) which memorizes the image element capable ofbeing processed.

Also, the image processing system of this invention comprises amechanism which detects the image element capable of being processed anddynamically supplies a pointer of the image element to a calculatingsection. More concretely, the image processing system of this inventioncomprises the mechanism which has steps (the steps A9 and A10 in FIG. 3)which memorize a present image element processing state, a step (thestep A8 and A10 in FIG. 3) which makes reference to the present imageelement processing state to detect whether or not an image element whichis positioned near to an image element of present process is capable ofbeing processed, and a step (the step A9 and A10 in FIG. 3) temporarilymemorizes the image element capable of being processed.

According to a first effect of this invention, it is possible toincrease process effeciency of an image process algorithm which has acollating sequence in the process of the image elements and which isincapable of processing, in parallel, the image elements. Namely, in theimage process algorithm of repeat type that is necessary to execute theprocess of the image elements with dependent relation of the imageelements, it is possible to decrease the number of the process repeat.This is because it is possible to dynamically detect the image elementwhich needs to be processed.

According to a second effect of this invention, it is possible todecrease number of processes which are necessary to each of the repeatprocess in the the image process algorithm of repeat type. This isbecause the detection device which detects the image element which isnecessary to be processed operates, in parallel, to the calculatingsection which executes conventional calculation.

According to a third effect of this invention, it is possible todecrease a cost of hardware in comparision with the conventional imageprocessing system which comprises the execution control system which isbased on data operation of the command level. This is because the imageprocessing system of this invention needs not to produce the packethaving the all data of the execution control in the conventional mannerand the processor elements PE of the image processing system of thisinvention supplies and receives the image elements. Namely, theprocessor elements PE of the image processing system of this inventionsupplies and receives simple data which are pointers.

According to a fourth effect of this invention, it is possible todecrease the overhead which occurs in the execution and control incomparision with the conventional image processing system whichcomprises the execution control system which is based on data operationof the command level. This is because the image processing system ofthis invention is an execution control system which is based on dataoperation of an image element level. Therefore, the image processingsystem of this invention processes, as a pipeline type, the imageelements even when a serial sequence of the commands is executed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing system comprising: imageelement memorizing means for memorizing image elements which are imagedata that are subjects of process; pointer detecting means forsubjecting a first process to said image elements in said image elementmemorizing means, and for detecting a pointer of one of said imageelements that is capable of being processed by a calculating means, saidpointer representing a position of the one of said image elements;temporary pointer memorizing means connected to said pointer detectingmeans for memorizing said pointer from said pointer detecting means; andsaid calculating means connected to said image element memorizing meansand said temporary pointer memorizing means for reading said pointer andfor subjecting a second process to said image elements in said imageelement memorizing means in response to said pointer which was read onlywhen said image element of said pointer which is read is capable ofbeing processed.
 2. An image processing system comprising: image elementmemorizing means for memorizing image elements which are image data thatare subjects of process; image element processing state memorizing meansfor memorizing present processing states of said image elements in saidimage element memorizing means; pointer detecting means connected tosaid image element processing state memorizing means for subjecting afirst process to said image elements in said image element memorizingmeans, and for detecting, in response to said present processing states,a pointer of one of said image elements that is capable of beingprocessed by calculating means, said pointer representing a position ofthe one of said image elements; temporary pointer memorizing meansconnected to said pointer detecting means for memorizing said pointerfrom said pointer detecting means; and said calculating means connectedto said image element memorizing means and said temporary pointermemorizing means for reading said pointer and for subjecting a secondprocess to said image elements in said image element memorizing means inresponse to said pointer which was read only when said image element ofsaid pointer which is read is capable of being processed.
 3. An imageprocessing system comprising: image element memorizing means formemorizing image elements which are image data that are subjects ofprocess; image element processing state memorizing means for memorizingpresent processing states of said image elements in a plurality of tasksin said image element memorizing means; pointer detecting meansconnected to said image element processing state memorizing means forsubjecting a first process to said image elements in said image elementmemorizing means, and for detecting, in response to said presentprocessing states, a pointer of one of said image elements that iscapable of being processed by calculating means, said pointerrepresenting a position of the one of said image elements; temporarypointer memorizing means connected to said pointer detecting means formemorizing said pointer in each of said tasks from said pointerdetecting means; and said calculating means connected to said imageelement memorizing means and said temporary pointer memorizing means forreading said pointer and for subjecting a second process to said imageelements in said image element memorizing means in response to saidpointer which was read only when said image element of said pointerwhich is read is capable of being processed.
 4. An image processingsystem comprising: image element memorizing means for memorizing imageelements which are image data that are subjects of process; imageelement processing state memorizing means for memorizing presentprocessing states of said image elements in a plurality of tasks in saidimage element memorizing means; pointer detecting means connected tosaid image element processing state memorizing means for subjecting afirst process to said image elements in said image element memorizingmeans, and for detecting, in response to said present processing states,a pointer of one of said image elements that is capable of beingprocessed by calculating means, said pointer representing a position ofthe one of said image elements; temporary pointer memorizing meansconnected to said pointer detecting means for memorizing said pointer ineach of said tasks from said pointer detecting means; said calculatingmeans connected to said image element memorizing means and saidtemporary pointer memorizing means for reading said pointer and forsubjecting a second process to said image elements in said image elementmemorizing means in response to said pointer which was read only whensaid image element of said pointer which is read is capable of beingprocessed; and task changing means connected to said temporary pointermemorizing means and said calculating means for changing one of saidtasks to another of said tasks which is processed by said calculatingmeans when a process of said image elements of said pointer in the oneof said tasks is ended.
 5. An image processing method comprising:memorizing image elements which are image data that are subjects ofprocess; subjecting a first process to said image elements; detecting apointer of one of said image elements that is capable of being processedby said image processing method, said pointer representing a position ofthe one of said image elements; memorizing said pointer from said stepof detecting a pointer; and reading said pointer and subjecting a secondprocess to an image element in response to said pointer which was readonly when said image element of said pointer which is read is capable ofbeing processed.
 6. An image processing method comprising: memorizingimage elements which are image data that are subjects of process;memorizing present processing states of said image elements in said stepof memorizing image elements; subjecting a first process to said imageelements; detecting, in response to said present processing states, apointer of one of said image elements that is capable of being processedby said image processing method, said pointer representing a position ofthe one of said image elements; memorizing said pointer from said stepof detecting a pointer; and reading said pointer and subjecting a secondprocess to an image element in response to said pointer which was readonly when said image element of said pointer which is read is capable ofbeing processed.
 7. An image processing method comprising: memorizingimage elements which are image data that are subjects of process;memorizing present processing states of said image elements in said stepof memorizing image elements; subjecting a first process to said imageelements; detecting, in response to said present processing states, apointer of one of said image elements that is capable of being processedby said image processing method, said pointer representing a position ofthe one of said image elements; memorizing said pointer in each of saidtasks from said step of detecting a pointer; and reading said pointerand subjecting a second process to an image element in response to saidpointer which was read only when said image element of said pointerwhich is read is capable of being processed.
 8. An image processingmethod comprising: memorizing image elements which are image data thatare subjects of process; memorizing present processing states of saidimage elements in a plurality of tasks in said step of memorizing imageelements; subjecting a first process to said image elements; detecting,in response to said present processing states, a pointer of one of saidimage elements that is capable of being processed by said imageprocessing method, said pointer representing a position of the one ofsaid image elements; memorizing said pointer in each of said tasks fromsaid step of detecting a pointer; reading said pointer and subjecting asecond process to an image element in response to said pointer which wasread only when said image element of said pointer which is read iscapable of being processed; and changing one of said tasks to another ofsaid tasks which is processed by said step of processing an image when aprocess of said image elements of said pointer in the one of said tasksis ended.
 9. An image processing system comprising: a control unit forbroadcasting pointers of image elements, each of said pointersrepresenting a position of one of said image elements; and a processorarray comprising a plurality of processor elements, each processorelement comprised of: an image element memorizing device, said imageelement memorizing device storing image elements which are image datathat are subjects of process; an image element processing statememorizing device, said image element processing state memorizing devicestoring a present processing state of image elements stored in saidimage element memorizing device; a pointer detecting device, saidpointer detecting device for subjecting a first process to said imageelements in said image element memorizing device, and detecting apointer of one of said image elements that is capable of being processedby calculating device; a temporary pointer memorizing device, saidtemporary pointer memorizing device storing pointers received from thecontrol unit; and said calculating device connected to said imageelement memorizing device and said image element processing statememorizing device, said calculating device reading said pointer andsubjecting a second process to said image elements in said image elementmemorizing device in response to said pointer which was read only whensaid image element of said pointer which is read is capable of beingprocessed.